As a cat owner, you want your furry friend to live a long and healthy life. This makes scheduling routine check-ups and preventive care with your local vet important. Our vets in Lincoln are here to guide you on how often you should bring your cat for a wellness exam and preventive care to ensure their well-being.
Veterinary Preventive Care & Early Detection
Taking your cat to the vet regularly can help ensure they stay healthy throughout their life. This is because it allows your vet to monitor your cat's overall health, detect any signs of disease early on, and recommend preventive measures that can benefit your furry friend.
We understand that you may be concerned about the cost of routine check-ups, especially if your cat seems to be healthy. However, being proactive about your cat's healthcare can save you from expensive treatments later on. So, it's important to prioritize preventive care for your beloved pet.
Routine Wellness Exams - Check-ups for Cats
Taking your cat to the vet for a routine check-up is similar to bringing them in for a physical. Like humans, how often your cat should undergo a physical examination depends on their age, overall health, and lifestyle.
Generally, we suggest that healthy adult cats should have annual wellness exams. However, kittens, senior cats, and pets with underlying health problems should undergo check-ups more frequently.
Kittens Up to 12 Months Old
If you have a kitten less than a year old, it is recommended to take them to the vet once a month. Their first veterinary appointment should occur when they are around 8 weeks old. During their first year, kittens require multiple rounds of vaccinations to protect them from common infectious diseases such as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Panleukopenia (FPL). The Feline Leukemia vaccine and the FVRCP vaccine are two important vaccinations that your feline friend should receive.
These vaccines are given to your kitten over approximately 16 weeks and will help keep them healthy throughout their lifespan. The timing of your cat's vaccinations may vary depending on your location and the overall health of your furry friend.
It is recommended to have your kitten spayed or neutered when they are between 5 to 6 months old. This can help prevent diseases, undesirable behaviors, and unwanted litters of kittens.
Adult Cats Up To 10 Years of Age
If you have a healthy adult cat between 1 to 10 years of age, bringing them for an annual exam is recommended. This exam is a routine check-up done while your cat seems perfectly healthy.
During the check-up, your vet will conduct a thorough head-to-tail examination to identify early signs of illness or other issues such as tooth decay, joint pain, or parasites.
Your veterinarian will also administer any necessary vaccines or booster shots, discuss your cat's diet and nutritional requirements, and suggest the appropriate parasite protection products.
If your vet finds any signs of developing health issues, they will discuss their findings with you and recommend the next steps.
Senior Cats
Did you know that cats are considered seniors once they reach the age of 11? As cats tend to be more prone to diseases and injuries as they age, we recommend taking your senior cat to the vet every six months for a wellness check-up.
These check-ups are similar to regular ones but with a few additional diagnostic tests to provide further insight into your cat's overall health. Some of the diagnostic tests we suggest for senior cats include blood tests and urinalysis, which can detect early signs of problems such as kidney disease or diabetes.
Geriatric care for cats includes a more proactive approach to keeping your feline companion comfortable, especially as age-related issues such as joint pain become more common.
If you have a senior cat, asking your vet how often you should bring your pet in for a routine exam is important. With twice-yearly wellness check-ups, you can ensure that your senior cat receives all the necessary care and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.